Bagan golf courses

It’s amazing that the ancient city of Bagan with its 11^th century temples is also home to a golf course.   Playing golf in such and amazing setting  is the stuff of dreams as you negotiate and weave your way between the amazing temples, stupas and pagodas that make up this 

If you really want to experience a golf holiday with a difference, the ancient city of Bagan in central Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a great place to begin.

Bagan is situated on the east side of the Ayeyarwady River and to the southwest of Mandalay.  You have probably seen photos of the Bagan Archaeological Area many times in travel books and online and it is home to more than 2,000 Buddhist monuments.

When booking a Bagan golf holiday, you must consider how you plan on reaching the city.  The airport is called Nyaung U and flights are available from Mandalay and Yangon using Asian Wings, Golden Myanmar, Mann Yadanarpon and Myanmar National Airlines.  Direct trains also connect Mandalay and Yangon with Bagan, the latter of which is an overnight service.

As highlighted above, there are many impressive religious monuments to visit in Bagan, with Shwezigon Paya, Htilominlo Pahto, Ananda Pahto and Shwesandaw Paya being among the most popular and spectacular.

Two of the best ways to see the Bagan Archaeological Area are from a viewing point at sunset and by taking a hot air balloon trip, both of which provide fantastic views of the region and great photographic opportunities.

You will want to keep your camera out when playing on Bagan Golf Course.  This is a tremendous golf course, with temples and pagodas scattered throughout and you will not find a similar golf experience anywhere else in the world. 

Weather & Climate

The climate in Bagan is similar year-round, it is hot, and you should consider visiting in the winter months, between November and February when the temperatures are relatively stable at around 30 degrees centigrade.

It is advisable to avoid the spring months when temperatures can reach 43 degrees centigrade which coupled with the high humidity, creates a feeling that it is very hot. Rainfall is heaviest in June and October, although it is nothing like the monsoon rains that can hit coastal towns and cities.

The beauty of the region is unquestionable, vast swathes of wooded areas are intersected by one of the most spectacular sights you are likely to see.

HISTORY

Formerly the capital of the Pagan Kingdom, some 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries could be found here between the 11^th and 13^th centuries, now you can visit the incredible sight of 2,200 Buddhist temples and pagodas that survive to this day.

A sight that many consider more impressive than Angkor Wat.

Getting Around

Getting to Bagan can be a challenge, as although tourism has become much more of an everyday occurrence, the infrastructure lacks behind modern day luxuries.

You can fly into the local airport at Nyaung U, considered the gateway to Bagan.

Perhaps the most scenic and relaxing way to travel to Bagan is by train. You would need to take the overnight train from Yangon and Bagan, with the trip taking 18 hours or so, but the scenery is sublime and if you are not on a strict schedule this is the way to travel.

Tourism is still relatively young, and this can be seen with the lack of hotels, although there are some international standard hotels in the area.

Where to Stay

The most common accommodation found in Bagan are family run establishments.

It is worth noting that credit and debit cards are not widely accepted as a form of payment in the region.